BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Council of
BC YaCHT CLUBS

Advocating for Recreational Boaters

About the Council of BC Yacht Clubs

In January 1956, the first meeting of interested boating clubs was held in Nanaimo. It was then formally registered as British Columbia Non Profit Society in January 1980 representing the interests of boaters from more than 50 British Columbia boating organizations. We have representation on Provincial and Federal committees to provide and receive information pertinent to our recreational interests, and collaborate with like-minded outdoor organizations in BC and Washington State.  In 1990, at the request of BC Parks, we formed B.C. Marine Parks Forever Society to assist in funding land purchases to be added to the Marine Park System. We meet four times per year, alternating between the mainland and Vancouver Island.

Current Council Activities

Top Priorities

  • Gambier Island Official Community Plan
  • Southern Gulf Islands – Southeast Vancouver Island Advisory Group
  • Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan
  • Amendments to the Land Act

Search for news on these topics here:

Projects

The Council is working and supporting a variety of projects

… and more

Marine Parks Forever Society

The Marine Parks Forever Society is an all-volunteer registered non-profit founded by the Council of BC Yacht Clubs in 1990

We advocate for and financially support the creation, expansion or enhancement of BC Marine Parks.

We also execute special projects for boaters like the popular “stern-tie program”.

 

Recent Developments

  • Feedback opportunity on Dock Management Plan for the southern Gulf Islands

    The Province is seeking feedback on a draft Strategic Management Plan for private marine docks in the southern Gulf Islands and southeastern Vancouver Island.

  • Council letter to WLRS Ministry regarding concerns on proposed land use objectives for Gambier Island

    A new initiative by Water Lands and Resource Stewardship and the Squamish First Nation proposes Sea to Sky land use objectives for numerous areas in our region, including Gambier Island. In that proposal there are significant restrictions on public access and use of a large tract of Gambier’s public land, ostensibly for the protection of…

  • Survey on Islands Trust Draft Policy Statement – Deadline February 2, 2026

    The Islands Trust is a unique, province‑created local government whose core mandate is to preserve and protect the environment and rural character of the Gulf Islands and surrounding waters in the Salish Sea. On July 29, 2025, Islands Trust Council (ITC) gave first reading to the Islands Trust draft Policy Statement. The multi-year process to…

  • Islands Trust 2024/25 Annual Report is now available

    The Islands Trust 2024/25 Annual Report is now available online. Each year, this report provides a snapshot of Islands Trust work in the Islands Trust Area. Inside, you’ll find highlights of projects and initiatives from the past year and details about progress on Islands Trust Council’s strategic goals. You are invited to read the report and learn…

Boating News

  • Esquimalt and Nanoose Harbour, Whiskey Golf

    Heather Skippen, the Kings Harbour Master Official and Transport Canada Enforcement Officer, gave a very interesting presentation about Esquimalt and Nanoose Harbour, and Whiskey Golf testing range. It talks about their regulations, safety protocols and recent developments. The presentation is available here. Important to remember:

  • Port of Vancouver releases Boaters Handbook for safe navigation

    Vancouver has a busy harbour. With thousands of commercial and recreational vessels moving through the waters that make up the Port of Vancouver every year, alongside ferries and seaplanes, it is crucial for all marine users to be aware of the rules and procedures to follow to ensure safety and harmony on the water. As…

  • Expired marine flares disposal – updated for Nanaimo

    Do you have expired marine flares ? Flares manufactured in 2021 or earlier expire this year, as Transport Canada approves them for four years. They should be replaced every third or fourth boating season. To dispose of expired flares, do not light them, throw them overboard, or add them to household garbage. Transport Canada no…

  • BC Marine Trails website

    The BC Marine Trails website Kayak Resources, BC coast, Kayak Map, Paddling Vancouver is a very interesting resource also for motorized recreational boaters. Here is what Karina Younk, the Board Chair of BC Marine Trails, says: Our BC Marine Trails website is geared toward non-motorized coastal recreation. However, we have heard from small boaters that…

Council News

Yacht Club Job Postings

Let us know if your Yacht Club has open positions – we are happy to post them here.

Council Meetings

Our next meeting is on 

Saturday, November 21, 2026/11:00 at the
West Vancouver Yacht club and via Zoom

Our meeting schedule for 2026 is

February  28, 2026          online via Zoom
May 16, 2026                   Nanaimo Yacht Club and via Zoom
September 19, 2026       online via Zoom
November 21, 2026        West Vancouver Yacht Club and via Zoom

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